Storage container with zipper closure

ABSTRACT

A storage container has an internal volume defined by at least one panel. Access to the internal volume is provided through an opening. A zipper is used to close the opening and the zipper is actuated by a slider. A locking mechanism for the slider is provided in the form of a housing into which the slider is received as the slider moves in a closing direction. When the slider is located in the housing, a locking cap, such as a child-proof cap, can be engaged onto the housing to prevent access to the slider.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/108,449, filed 27 Jan. 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers and in particular to containers, e.g. bags, featuring a zipper closure.

BACKGROUND

Containers come in a variety of forms and are used for a variety of functions. One particular container features a zipper closure. A zipper closure on a storage bag is typically formed by two sides of interlocking plastic ridges. The zipper closure includes a slider that mates the ridges together as the slider slides in one direction along the zipper and separates the ridges, thereby opening the bag, when the slider slides in the opposite direction.

What is a required however, is a more secure arrangement for a zipper closure.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

the ability to secure a container featuring a zipper closure; and

provide a child-proof safety device to a zipper closure.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is provided a container including a zipper enclosure operated by a slider. A locking mechanism includes a body that receives the slider and a locking cap that engages the body and prevents the slider from being removed from the body while the locking cap is secured on the body.

In one embodiment, there is provided a locking mechanism for a container that is sealed by a zipper comprising a slider. The locking mechanism may comprise a body that receives the slider. A locking cap may engage the body and prevent the slider from being removed from the body while the locking cap is secured on the body.

In one embodiment, there is provided a container defining an internal volume accessed through an opening. Closure means may be provided for selectively closing the opening. Actuator means may actuate the closure means. Housing means may receive the actuator means and locking means may secure the housing means to prevent access to the actuator means.

In one embodiment, there is provided method for securing a container that is sealed by a zipper comprising a slider. A slider may slide in a closing direction until the slider is received in a housing. A locking cap may then be secured onto the housing to prevent the slider from exiting the housing.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of one embodiment of the zipper arrangement including a locking cap;

FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective view of the zipper arrangement with the locking cap removed;

FIG. 3 is substantially a side view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is substantially a perspective view of a bag including the zipper arrangement;

FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective view of a bag including the zipper arrangement with the locking cap removed;

FIG. 6 is substantially a schematic side view of a container having a top closure;

FIG. 7 is substantially a schematic top view the container of FIG. 6 with the zipper partially open; and

FIG. 8 is substantially a schematic top view of the container of FIG. 6 with the zipper fully closed and the slider secured.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A generic container will typically include at least one panel that defines an internal volume. For example, for a plastic bag, two panels may be overlaid and joined around part of the overlying edges, e.g. by plastic welding, stitching, adhesives, etc., leaving an opening for accessing the internal volume. Alternatively, a single panel may be folded and adjacent edges sealed leaving an edge unsealed for providing access to the internal volume through the opening. Other containers, e.g. carry bags, hand bags, water resistant dry bags, etc, may be formed of panels of various fabrics and textiles that are stitched or otherwise joined into the desired shape. Still further, other containers, e.g. suitcases, luggage etc., may have frame elements that support textile or fabric panels or walls to provide the bag with additional strength and rigidity. The panels may be flexible, rigid, or a combination thereof. The present invention is applicable to a wide variety of containers that have an internal storage volume that is accessed through an opening.

Typically, a closure means such as a zipper is provided at the opening and used to selectively open and close the opening, thereby selectively providing access to the internal storage volume. The closure means operates by having a moving element means such as a slider traverse the closure means from one side of the opening to the other. When the moving element is at one end of the closure, the opening will be closed or sealed. When the moving element is at the other end of the closure, the opening will be fully open, thereby providing access to the internal volume of the container.

Many different forms of zipper or similar closure means exist in the art. One form of zipper closure is formed primarily from plastics and features interlocking ridges that are pressed together by a slider or similar moving element. Other closures feature interlocking teeth and may be formed of various materials including metals and plastics. Such closure means may include, without limitation, coil zippers, plastic molded zippers and metal zippers. The specific form of the closure mechanism is not particularly pertinent to the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in any bag or container that has a moving element that traverses the opening of the bag or container. Typically, the moving element will close or seal the opening as it traverses the opening from one end to the other, and open or unseal the opening as it traverses the opening in the opposite direction. The result is that when the moving element is at one particular end of the opening, the opening will be sealed. If the moving element is secured at this end so that it cannot be actuated, opening of the bag or container can be prevented.

Described below, is a security locking device for a container such as a bag, pouch, suitcase or the like having an opening and including a zipper or similar closure mechanism operatively associated with the opening and movable between an open and closed position. The zipper may be provided with a slider or similar moving element for actuating the zipper and a releasable lock attached to the bag covering the pull tab. A pull tab may optionally be secured to the slider to facilitate easier handling and operation of the slider. The releasable lock can be a circular lid that covers the zipper pull tab and is actuated by rotating the lid to a specific position that allows it to be removed exposing the pull tab. The cover can be reattached to the portion of the locking device once the pull tab is repositioned inside the locking device and rotated to prevent opening unless realigned.

Another embodiment may include a lid that must be pressed down when turning. By pressing down, the cap engages an inner sleeve that positions it in alignment with slots in the locking device on the bag allowing it to be removed. The cap can be replaced when the pull tab is underneath and then turned to prevent removal of the cap.

Another embodiment would be to attach the locking device around the top of the bag. The locking device would cover the pull tab and be opened as described above.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a zipper arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The zipper arrangement 10 includes a zipper 12 provided in a layer of the bag, e.g. a front face of the bag. The zipper arrangement 10 includes flanges 14, 15 that can be used to secure the zipper arrangement to the bag. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper flange 14 may be sealed or otherwise bonded to a back layer 108 of a plastic bag and the lower flange 15 can be sealed or otherwise bonded to a front layer 109 of the bag. The zipper arrangement 10 thus provides an upper join between the front and back layers as well as providing the opening between the front and back layers through which the internal volume of the bag can be accessed. Other means and configurations for securing the flanges to the container panels will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. In other embodiments, e.g. for other types of containers, particular containers made out of textile materials, the flanges 14, 15 may be fabric or other material that can be joined to the container panels through other means, such as by stitching.

The zipper 12 includes interlocking ridges shown in the interlocked, i.e. closed, configuration in FIG. 1. Shown at the left end of the zipper 12 is a locking arrangement of which a removable locking cap 18 is visible. The interlocking ridges are shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The zipper described herein includes an upper piece 14 and a lower piece 15. At the bottom edge of the upper piece 14 there is a first series of ridges 141, 142 that extend inwards. Grooves are defined between the ridges. At the top edge of the lower piece 15 there is a second series of ridges 151, 152 that extend outwards from the lower piece 15. Grooves are defined between the ridges 151, 152. The upper piece 14 and lower piece 15 are brought into alignment with each other such that the ridges 141, 142 of the upper piece align with the grooves of the lower piece and vice versa. When pressed together, e.g. by the action of the slider, the ridges of one piece engage the grooves of the other piece. Formations at the distal ends of the ridges 141, 142, 151, 152 provide engagement between the opposed sets of ridges with each other such that significant force is required to separate the interlocking ridges from each other. The zipper arrangement 10 may include one ridge or multiple ridges. Other forms of zipper arrangements will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The particular form of the interlocking closure is not considered pertinent to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the zipper arrangement 10 with the locking cap 18 removed and FIG. 3 shows FIG. 2 in side view. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows the zipper arrangement secured on a bag with the locking cap 18 in place while FIG. 5 shows the bag and zipper arrangement with the locking cap 18 removed. A body of the locking arrangement includes a flange 17 for securing the body to the flanges 14, 15 and/or the bag panels. The body of the locking arrangement further includes a retention ring 20 which engages the locking cap 18. When the body is secured to the bag, the retention ring overlies the zipper 12. On the right hand side of the retention ring 20 as depicted, there is a notch or opening 22 in the retention ring 20. The notch 22 has a dual functionality. A first function is to provide an alignment point for the locking cap 18. An arrow, indent or similar marking on the outside of the locking cap can direct the user to rotate the locking cap to an alignment position. In the embodiment shown, the user is directed to align an arrow with the zipper. When the cap is in the alignment position and the user presses the cap against the notch, the cap 18 can be removed from the retention ring, thereby exposing the slider 28. The cap may include an inward directed detente or similar (not shown) that allows the cap to be removed only when aligned with the notch 22. As the cap 18 rotates on the retention ring 20, the detente may be received in a groove 26 of the retention ring 20.

As stated above, the retention ring 20 overlies the zipper 12. The second function of the notch 20 is to allow the retention ring 20 to be disposed over the zipper 12 so that the slider 28 can move along the zipper 12 and into and out of the internal cavity of the retention ring. When the slider is moved into the retention ring 20, the locking cap can be used to secure the slider within the retention ring and prevent access to the slider. The locking cap also hides the notch 22 when the locking cap is engaged on the retention ring. When the locking cap is removed, the slider can exit the retention ring through the notch 22 of the retention ring.

The slider itself is shown most clearly in FIG. 3. The slider includes an inner slider piece 30 on the inside of the bag, an outer slider piece 32 on the outside of the bag and a pull tab 34 connected to the outer slider piece 32 by a stem 36. The pull tab may include a large circular area that can be easily pushed with the thumb of the user and/or gripped and pulled as required. The inner slide piece 30 and the outer slider piece 32 together define a zipper cavity that is sized to receive the zipper. As the slider moves in a closing direction, e.g. right to left as depicted in FIG. 1, the inner slider piece 30 and outer slider piece 32, having the zipper 12 received therebetween, squeeze the upper 14 and lower 15 parts of the zipper 12 together, causing the ridges 141, 142, 151, 152 to interlock, thereby closing the zipper. When the slider moves in an opening direction, left to right as depicted in FIG. 1, a stopper 39 located on the inner slider piece behind the zipper, as depicted in FIG. 3, engages at least one of the zipper pieces to separate the zipper.

Other than for the provision of the pull tab and stem, the slider may otherwise be a conventional slider and operate in a conventional manner for zipping and unzipping the zipper enclosure as the slider travels along the zipper. When the slider is moved back into the retention ring 20, the locking cap may be re-secured to the retention ring 20, thereby preventing movement of the slider. In this secured position, the retention ring and locking cap surround the slider so that access to the slider is prevented. In one embodiment, the locking cap 18 and/or retention ring 20 may include features that prevent the locking cap from being secured to the retention ring 20 unless the slider is within the retention ring 20.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking cap and retention ring may operate on a press-down release mechanism in which a spring mechanism requires the user to press the cap and turn simultaneously.

The components of the locking arrangement, e.g. the body, cap, etc. may be made from any suitable material, including any of a variety of plastics or metal. The specific materials used may be dependent on the size of the bag, the use of the bag, the materials of the bag, the type and materials of the zipper, the type and materials of the slider, etc. Specific materials may include, without limitation, polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, etc. Techniques for molding or otherwise forming the components of the locking arrangement will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

The locking arrangement may be formed in isolation of the slider and zipper arrangement and supplied as a separate component to bag manufacturers. The locking arrangement may be attached to any suitable bag or container by securing the flange 17 to layers of the bag or any layers of the zipper at any point in the bag manufacture, including before or after the zipper and slider arrangement has been secured to the bag.

An alternative embodiment of a container is depicted schematically in FIGS. 6 to 8. In this embodiment, the container has panels and an opening at a top edge of the panels. The panels may be plastic, fabric or any suitable material and may be flexible, rigid or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the container may be a bag though other types of containers will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The container 40 is shown in side view in FIG. 6 and may have a first panel 401 and an opposite second panel 402 that are sealed at side edges and lower edge (not shown) to define an internal space or bag cavity 407. Other methods and layer arrangements for forming a container will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, a single layer may be folded to provide two opposing surfaces that define the internal cavity. Furthermore, the panels may be flexible or rigid and may provide a substantially two-dimensional container, e.g. a flat plastic bag, or may provide a more three dimensional container, such as a case, luggage, pouch, etc.

The top edge 43 includes a zipper enclosure 42 or similar mechanical interlocking fastener that when opened, provides access to the internal cavity 407 of the bag and when closed, closes access to the cavity 407. Flanges of the zipper may be secured to the inside surfaces of the panels 401, 402 by suitable methods, such as plastic welding, adhesives, stitching, etc. depending on the material and construction of the container 40. The zipper 12 is depicted as having a single interlocking ridge though other arrangements will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The zipper 12 is closed by a slider 44.

The locking mechanism may include a body 48 that is secured to the bag layers at one end of the bag opening, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8. The body 48 may have an opening that allows the slider to pass into the body. When the slider is located within the body, a child-proof cap 50 such as a press-type or screw-type child proof cap may engage with the body and at least partially cover the opening to prevent the slider within the body from being accessed.

The body 48 includes two body sections 480, 490 disposed on either side of the bag. The two sections may be joined at the top by a top piece 495. A slot between the sections 480 and 490 receives the top edge 43 of the bag including the zipper 42 and slider 44. The first body piece 480 has a first body joining section 481 which is a flat section that is joined to the first bag layer 401, e.g. through adhesive, welding, or other suitable fastening technique as will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The body joining section 481 is secured to the outside surface of the first bag layer 401. Towards an upper end of the body joining section 481 there is a first base piece 482 of the slider housing. The base 482 extends outward of the first body joining section 481 to an end. At the outer end of the base 482, there is an upwardly extending first side wall piece 483 that defines a side perimeter of the slider housing and joins to the top piece 495. At the trailing end of the body (left side as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8), there may be a back wall that closes off the slider housing at the rear side. At the leading end of the body (right side as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8), a shorter side wall or no side wall may be provided to leave an opening 497 for allowing the slider to pass into the slider housing.

Extending upward of the top piece 495 there is an upwardly extending flange 499. The flange 499 may be circular in top view and be configured to mate with a cap 50.

The second body piece is a mirror image of the first body piece and includes equivalent second body joining section, second base and second side wall. The second body piece is joined to the outside surface of the second bag layer in a similar manner to the securing of the first body piece. The second body piece opposes the first body piece so that the bases, sidewalls and rear walls of the first and second body pieces together define a slider body housing having an internal cavity that is sized and shaped to receive the slider 44. The leading end of the combined housing defines an opening 497 through which the slider can enter as it slides along the zipper.

The upper flange 499 provides an arrangement for receiving and securing the cap. In one embodiment, the flanges 499 may have upper tabs for securing a press fit cap. In one embodiment, the flanges may be threaded for securing a similarly threaded cap.

In one embodiment, the cap may be a press-fit cap that must be pressed down when turning. By pressing down, the cap engages an inner sleeve that positions it in alignment with slots in the body 48 allowing it to be removed. The cap can again be replaced when the slider is underneath and turned to prevent removal of the cap. Other child proof cap arrangements, including caps requiring squeezing at appropriate locations, as described above, will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

The cap may have a side wall that extends down from a top surface of the cap. When the cap is secured onto the body 48, the cap side wall covers the opening 497 in the leading face of the slider housing to prevent access to the internal cavity of the slider housing. Thus, when the slider is within the slider housing and the cap is secured in place on the slider housing, access to the slider is prevented and the container is thus secured.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict top views showing the container 40 in use. In FIG. 7, the slider 44 is shown partially traversed along the zipper 42. To the left of the slider, the zipper is separated and to the right of the slider the zipper is joined. Access to the internal volume of the container is provided through the separated portions of the zipper. The body 48 of the locking mechanism is shown with the cap 50 removed. As the slider 44 traverses to the left as depicted in FIG. 7, the slider will join the zipper, thereby increasing the length of the closed section. When the slider 44 reaches the housing, the slider enters the housing through an opening 497 in the leading edge of the body 48. Once the slider 48 is within the body 48 of the locking mechanism, as depicted in FIG. 8, the zipper 42 is completely closed and the cap 50 can be secured on the body.

In one embodiment, the container may be of plastic, of which many types of suitable plastics are known. In one embodiment, the container may be of a fabric and may be reinforced with various fibers, e.g. kevlar, to prevent tearing of the bag fabric. The container may be flexible or rigid or a combination thereof. The particular formation and composition of the container is not considered to be pertinent to the present invention and thus no further description of the bag is considered necessary herein.

The locking mechanism will typically be formed of plastic, though other materials may be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

An advantage of the bags and locking mechanisms herein described is that when the slider is locked, it is completely surrounded by the body and cap of the locking mechanism and so cannot be accessed. Because the slider is isolated, it cannot be inadvertently operated. The use of a childproof cap or similar also prevents inadvertent operation of the locking mechanism so that accidently release of the locking mechanism, e.g. in transit in a suitcase, is also unlikely.

A further advantage is that no modification of the slider or the method of operating the slider is essential, though enhanced sliders such as described herein can be employed if desired.

In any of the embodiments described above, the locking cap and the body onto which the locking cap is secured may be provided with a hole or ring for receiving an additional locking device, such as a zip tie or padlock, that prevents the cap from being removed. In addition, the cap may include a tie, string, chain or similar that secures the cap to the container when the cap is removed to prevent the cap from being misplaced or lost.

In one embodiment, the cap may have a tamper evident breakaway feature, similar to a water/soda bottle cap to free it from the lower portion.

Throughout the specification, terms of orientation such as left, right, upper, lower, front, back are used. The terms are used for clear and concise reference to the drawings to aid in the understanding of embodiments as described and illustrated. Such terms are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the embodiments in any way.

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: (A) at least one panel that defines an internal volume of the bag; (B) at least one opening that provides access to the internal volume; (C) a zipper enclosure operated by a slider that selectively closes the at least one opening; and (D) a locking mechanism comprising: (a) a body that receives the slider; and (b) a locking cap that engages the body and prevents the slider from being removed from the body while the locking cap is secured on the body.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the body defines an internal cavity and wherein the slider is received into the internal cavity.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein the body comprises an opening through which the slider passes to exit the body.
 4. The container of claim 3 wherein the opening is hidden when the locking cap is engaged on the body.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein an engagement between the locking cap and the body is a childproof engagement.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein the body comprises at least one flange for securing the body to the container.
 7. The container of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a ring that defines an internal cavity that receives the slider.
 8. The container of claim 7 wherein the ring comprises a circumferential groove that engages the locking cap.
 9. The container of claim 7 wherein the ring comprises a screw thread.
 10. The container of claim 1 wherein the body is secured to one side of the container.
 11. The container of claim 1 wherein the body is secured to two sides of the container.
 12. The container of claim 1 wherein the zipper enclosure is provided in a side panel of the container.
 13. The container of claim 1 wherein the zipper enclosure is disposed in an edge of the container.
 14. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least one panel comprises at least one flexible panel.
 15. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least one panel comprises at least one rigid panel.
 16. A locking mechanism for a container that is sealed by a zipper comprising a slider, the locking mechanism comprising: (a) a body that receives the slider; and (b) a locking cap that engages the body and prevents the slider from being removed from the body while the locking cap is secured on the body.
 17. The locking mechanism of claim 16 wherein the body defines an internal cavity that is sized and shaped to receive a slider into the internal cavity.
 18. The locking mechanism of claim 16 wherein the body comprises an opening through which the slider passes to exit the body.
 19. The locking mechanism of claim 16 wherein the body comprises at least one flange for securing the body to the container.
 20. A container defining an internal volume accessed through an opening, the container comprising: (A) closure means for selectively closing the opening; (B) actuator means for actuating the closure means; (C) housing means for receiving the actuator means; and (D) locking means for locking the housing means to prevent access to the actuator means.
 21. The container of claim 20 wherein the housing means comprises attachment means for attaching the housing means to the container.
 22. The container of claim 20 wherein the housing means comprises cavity means for receiving the actuator means.
 23. The container of claim 20 wherein the housing means comprises opening means for the actuator means to exit the housing means to actuate the closure means.
 24. A method for securing a container that is sealed by a zipper comprising a slider, the method comprising: (A) sliding the slider in a closing direction until the slider is received in a housing; (B) securing a locking cap onto the housing to prevent the slider from exiting the housing. 